Kerala artist crafts handmade FIFA trophy replica from coconut leaves

An artist based in Kerala, India, has constructed a handmade model of the FIFA World Cup trophy, utilising coconut leaf and cardboard as the primary materials. The artwork, which has been locally described as a 'coconut rib' trophy, represents a distinct departure from the official gold-plated sterling silver model of the goddess Nike holding up the Earth.

The creation coincides with the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is currently being hosted across North America. The tournament has seen significant early action, including the United States defeating Paraguay 4-1 and Mexico securing a 2-0 victory over South Africa in their respective opening Group D and Group C matches.

While the official tournament proceeds with high-profile fixtures, this local artistic initiative highlights the intersection of regional craft and global sporting culture. The use of coconut leaves, a material abundant in the Kerala region, underscores the localised approach to commemorating the event.

Details regarding the specific identity of the artist have not been provided in the source material. Similarly, the exact date of the artwork's completion or its public display remains unspecified, with the only temporal anchor being the publication of the report on 22 June 2026.

The scale and specific dimensions of the model are also not detailed. It is important to note that this creation is a handmade artistic model and is not an official replica endorsed by FIFA. The term 'coconut rib' appears to be a descriptive nickname or translation of the local construction method rather than an official title.

The source of this report is a video feed summary from Al Jazeera Global News. It remains unclear whether this artwork is part of a broader feature segment or a standalone news report. No further information regarding the artist's background or the intended destination of the trophy is available at this time.